Waka taua These were the biggest waka between 9-30 metres long and could hold 100 people. They were decorated with carvings and were often used for war. Three wooden sections were joined together and gunwales were secured to the sides.

Waka tīwai (or waka kōpapa)These waka were shorter than the waka taua and waka tētē. They were the most common and were formed from a hollowed-out log, with no gunwales, carvings, thwarts, bow or stern pieces. They were used for moving small groups of people and their belongings up and down rivers, and across harbours.

Waka amaA waka ama consists of a single waka with an outrigger fastened to one side. They are an important part of the culture of Pacific people. The development of waka ama can be traced to the period of early Polynesian voyaging in the Pacific.

Waka houruaMany Māori and Polynesian people have travelled huge distances in these double-hull sailing vessels. These waka can be up to 36 metres long and have either one or two sails. Polynesian people used these waka between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago to populate the Pacific.

Waka pūhara or waka kōrari The Moriori people of the Chatham Islands (Wharekauri) did not have trees large enough to make waka like those on the mainland. Instead they made waka which were more like rafts. One of these waka was the waka pūhara or kōrari which had a flat-bottomed hull. The bottom and sides were made from dry flower stalks (kōrari) of harakeke. To help keep the vessel afloat, bull kelp (rimurapa) was inflated and stored in the base of the canoe. As long as the raft was tightly fastened together, these waka were very safe, and unlikely to fill and capsize.

By looking at some of these waka in more detail we can explore the mātauranga Māori used by our ancestors in the construction of these taonga.

Waka pūhara or waka kōrari

These waka were constructed with seats for several people. To give the waka strength, so that it would not break up in the sea, the hull was made from a frame of wooden poles. These wooden poles formed two keels (part of a boat that runs along the length of the hull from the front of the boat to the back) which gave the waka a flat bottom. The waka was also light enough to be easily carried.

Ētahi pātai mā ngā ākonga

Why do you think the waka kōrari hull has a flat bottom?

What would happen to the waka if wooden poles were not used in its construction?